Tuesday, February 26, 2008

What do you get when you mix ice cream and horse manure?

So, recently El 3atal came across a fabulous video clip that merges two of his favorite things, political satirist Steve Colbert and evangelical minister Tony Campolo. For a little background, we actually attended a conference man years ago where Tony was the keynote speaker. He is amazing at delivering meaning mixed with enough humor to make the point very clearly and specifically without boring the listener. In this clip, Tony talk about what it's like to be a member of the Evangelical left. The what?! Frankly, Steve Colbert makes fun of everyone alike, but is fairly clearly a conservative. Among the zingers Tony delivers are the following:

Tony is a "red-letter" Christian, meaning that he has a literal commitment to live out the words that Jesus said (often printed in red letters in Bibles). He loves his enemy, give to the poor, etc. Jesus transcends partisan politics. (Imagine that.) He goes on to say that that's what's wrong with the religious right, it's turned Jesus into a republican and he's not.

However honestly my favorite moment in the show comes when Tony is scolding Steve for "vain recitation" at which point Steve inquires aren't you judging other right now. Tony has the grace to admit that he was and look a bit sheepish about it.

Okay, so now here's a link to the clip http://www.comedycentral.com/sitewide/media_player/play.jhtml?itemId=59604. And, in parting, he likens the mixing of religion and politics in the US to mixing ice cream and horse manure. It does nothing to the manure but ruins the ice cream... Interesting thought to ponder, no?

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